In a move that illustrates its stated ambition to further expand into the U.S. HVAC market, Daikin Industries, Ltd. announced on August 29 that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Goodman Global Group, Inc. from affiliates of Hellman & Friedman LLC, for $3.7 billion....More

Food processing refrigeration has technical requirements and methods that are quite removed from other refrigeration sectors. Representatives of two leading food processing refrigeration contractors provide insights into their work....More

Columns

The easiest time to sell something to someone is right after they've gotten used to spending money with you. Most technicians stop selling once they get a "yes," and installers rarely try to sell upgrades.
Here's a handout that techs and installers can give customers to read while they are working....More

The country is currently holding a national debate on tax rates. Contractors and other small business owners should pay attention. It’s like you debating whether to change your sales commission structure. That would matter for your salespeople. This matters for you....More

The service salesperson has never had it easier. The technology we have today means we can cover more ground, be more accurate, and take more knowledge into a prospect’s office. Back in the day, things were VERY different....More

Sometimes cliches are just so right on. For example, the statement, “There is no ‘I’ in team, but there is in win,” has been bantered around for so long that it’s difficult to know who actually originated it. But when it comes to the construction industry, this statement offers a success potential that has not always been achieved, much to the chagrin of HVAC contractors, engineers, building owners, and architects alike....More

No contractor likes to receive a no-heat call in the dead of winter. First of all, it’s a safety hazard for a homeowner to be without heat. In addition, emergencies make it tough to plan business....More

Products

At HVAC Comfortech 2012, 13 products were recognized as Product Showcase Award winners. Judges took into consideration the ease with which HVAC contractors can apply the technology, and the technical value of the product or service to the HVAC industry. We’ll feature these products each month in upcoming issues of Contracting Business. This month, we’re featuring The Service Roundtable’s Roundtable Rewards, the winner in the Business/Technical Services category. For additional information on any of the products listed here, circle the appropriate number(s) on the reader service card at the back of this issue or visit...More